Health, Aging and Dementia in South Africa: A Longitudinal Study
Official title: Health, Aging and Dementia in South Africa: A Longitudinal Study (HAALSI)
Funded at Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11536335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term study in South Africa follows adults as they age to better understand dementia and related factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2013 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,300,148 |
| NIH project number | 3P01AG041710-12S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11536335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 40 and older in the Agincourt region of South Africa who are already enrolled or newly enrolled in the HAALSI cohort.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not participating in the cohort or outside the study regions may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This study tracks adults in South Africa over many years to map how aging, dementia risk factors, and other chronic diseases interact. It builds on prior waves of data, incorporating surveys, cognitive tests, biomarkers, and death records to follow participants for up to 13 years. Researchers will analyze how health, lifestyle, and biology relate to cognitive decline in a LMIC setting. The project relies on ongoing participant engagement and multiple data collection methods to build a comprehensive picture of aging and dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform strategies to prevent or delay dementia and improve aging health policies in LMICs.
How similar studies have gone: Prior HAALSI waves and harmonized cognitive protocols have yielded valuable insights, supporting continuation of this longitudinal research.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berkman, Lisa F — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Berkman, Lisa F
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.